Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Some brief bites from the world of Cleveland restaurants ...
Trendinistas will want to mark their calendars for Friday, March 14. That’s when the totally remodeled and re-imagined Brother’s Lounge (11609 Detroit Avenue, 216-470-1681) finally reopens for business. Thanks to the spare-no-expense efforts of owners Chris Riemenschneider and Rodger Riggs, the formerly dingy bar has been transformed into an 11,000-square-foot beauty, featuring a mahogany paneled Pub, an intimate Wine Room, and a state-of-the-art music hall. Lunch, dinner, and late-night menus are in the works, along with three bars, a smart wine list, and frequent live band performances. ...
While you’ve got the marker out, you also might want to note that Chez François opens for its 22nd season on Tuesday, March 11. Although the charming French restaurant on the Vermilion River is best known for its formal, jackets-required dining room, more casual sorts can fare equally well at the glass-enclosed Riverfront Café or in the upstairs lounge, Touché. The restaurant is at 555 Main St.; call 440-967-0630 for reservations.
At Dish Global Deli (1834 W. 25th St., 216-589-9700) in Ohio City operating hours have been temporarily trimmed back, while co-owner Heather Campbell recovers from surgery. Current hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Look for expanded evening hours to resume in the spring.
Sarah's Vineyard (1204 W. Steels Corners Rd., 330-929-8057), the bucolic little gallery, gift shop, and wine bar in Cuyahoga Falls, is closed through March 15 for vacation.
And finally, we were sorry to find that Aura Global Cuisine, in Broadview Heights, shuttered last Tuesday, just shy of its third anniversary. Chef-restaurateur Jihad Hachico had opened the friendly spot on his birthday, March 14, in 2005. According to the restaurant’s website, lease problems were at the root of the closure; a new location may be in the works. Fans can sign up at www.auraglobalcuisine.com for email announcements and updates. -- Elaine T. CicoraRead Elaine Cicora's restaurant reviews, food news, and
comprehensive dining guide on the restaurant page at clevescene.com. /em>